Call upon businesses around downtown for a sip and some socializing.

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Brews to vinos: Join the first outing for the new Burbank Winter Wine Walk in downtown on Saturday, Nov. 19.

Much holiday hullabaloo is made over each year over the outlandish Christmas sweater, the sort of panache-filled pullover that can turn every head in a room (and raise a few eyebrows in the process, good-naturedly).

We in Southern California know, though, that keeping a few zany snowman tees handy for the yuletide season, rather than heavier wool sweaters, is the smart way to go for alfresco events of a wintry nature.

And one is just ahead, too, on Saturday, Nov. 19. Granted, these summery temperatures we've been weathering will dip by the time the Burbank Winter Wine Walk arrives, and we may actually be able to break out a snowman sweater for the occasion.

Of course, it isn't mandatory that you dress especially merry, or over the top, for this first outing of this wine-and-beer bash. Some 20 downtown businesses, and maybe a few more, will serve delicious merlots and zingy pinots and deep-toned IPAs to 21-and-over guests making the afternoon-into-evening stroll, a stroll that will include other details of the season.

Like? Listen for the dulcet notes of the carol-type song while keeping an eye out for snowfall (the Burbank-y, movie-makery sort, of course, and not the kind that clouds produce).

A tree lighting gets to twinkling at 6:45 in the evening, while music continues through to 8 o'clock

The whole sip-around-downtown shebang begins at 4, so your not-too-heavy snowman tee will probably be the better choice (even if you have your heart set on a sweater). Shops'll be open, saying hello to visitors, and, of course, the restaurants of downtown Burbank, too.

Get your ticket for $45, and anticipate the fact that winter, despite the thermometer, is just over the near horizon. In fact, Burbank is getting a joyful jump on the proceedings a whole month in advance, on the Saturday ahead of Thanksgiving.